Log loading device



PLE. BOUFFARD 2,359,287

LOG LOADING DEVICE Filed Aug. 31 1943 J 1 W 471/14 Znyenfo Patented Oct. 3, 1944 LOG LOADING DEVICE Paul Emile Bouffard, Matane, Quebec, Canada Application August 31, 1943, Serial No. 500,673 In Canada February 2, 1943 Claims. (01. 214 77) The invention relates to improvements in machines for loading logs on trucks, sleighs or conveyances used in logging operations.

More particularly, my invention embodies improvements to devices used for loading logs on trucks, sleighs or conveyances, in order to render the transportation thereof quicker and more economical, since it will require less manpower to do the work, to simplify the construction of the device in rendering the various members thereof easy of access for inspection or repairs, and in a general manner to better adapt the device to perform the function for which it is intended.

These objects are obtained by means of the device illustrated in the annexed drawing where- 1n,

Figure 1 is a vertical view showing partially the surface of a conveyance platform used in the transportation of logs, and equipped with my device mounted laterally thereon;

Figure 2 is a side elevation of my device and shows some of its principal working organs;

Figure 3 is a section taken along the line 33 of Figure 2; it shows the device in action, raising a log unto the-platform of a conveyance;

Figure 4 is a section taken along the line 4-4 of Figure 2; it shows the device in an idle position and logs already loaded on the platform of a conveyance;

Figure 5 is a view of the underside of the platform shown in Figure 1 and it discloses the sundry working organs secured thereto;

Figure 6 is an end view of the device and shows a modified form of a tilting frame thereto.

Referring to the drawing, wherein similar reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout, l represents the side members of a tilting frame hinged to the beams l3 of a conveyance platform l5 by means of two spindles l4, so that it may be lowered or raised at will. A cable 6, one end of which is secured to cross beam 2, by means of bolt l1, passes around loose guiding pulleys 4, 5 and 22 and operates said tilting frame.

A loose guidin pulley 5 is provided with a V channel cut around its edge, and it revolves on axle l2 between members II which are secured horizontally to the underside of platform l5; another loose guiding pulley 4 is part of cable tightener ensemble, described farther.

Windlass 2| may be operated either by hand with a crank, the handle thereon being conveniently placed with sufficient clearance outside the platform, or is driven from the motor of the conveyance, when any, by means of gears or belt properly disposed for that purpose.

Two hydraulic cylinders 20, provided with pistons and connecting rods, are fixed to the underside of platform I5. The outside ends of said connecting rods are secured to the lower part of side member I. Those pistons are intended to be used as auxiliary power for raising the tilting frame with its load, if needed.

In the preferred form of the device, the upper part of the tilting frame is provided with a concavity l6 for holding the log, the members I being reinforced by means of triangular block 23. In a modified form thereof illustrated in Figure 6, two concavities are provided and may serve for handling smaller timber.

A cable tightener regulates the tension of cable 6 and comprises a loose guiding pulley 4, provided with a V channel cut around its edge, and revolving on axle IS, a triangular member 3, standing on legs. reinforced by means of plates 9. Said plates 9 are bent inward and provided at their lower extremities with perforations cut of sufficient size to engage freely in pins l0 fixed in the wood of platform IS.

The said tightener is held in the position required by means of chain 1, one end thereof being secured in one of the planks of platform l5, and the other end slipped in slot 8 being provided in member 3. This arrangement permits to adjust said tightener in the desired position simply by lengthening or shortening chain 1, in slot 8. The pins I!) being inclined, plates 9 cannot disengage therefrom when the tightener is required to do heavy duty; at the same time, it can move freely.

The device operates as follows:

The conveyance, or truck on which the loading device has been previously installed, is brought alongside the logs intended to be transported away, the tilting frame is lowered down until cross beam 2 rests on the ground, one log is rolled into concavity l6, Windlass 2| is set in motion and, as cable 6 winds around it, it pulls up the tilting frame with its load. When high enough, the log escapes from concavity l6 and drops on the platform IS. The operation is then repeated until the load is complete. When not in use, tilting frame is secured in the upright position, as shown in Figures 4 and 6.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, is to be taken as a preferred example of the same, and the various changes as to shape, size and arrangement'of parts may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

From the foregoing description, it will be readily seen that the invention is of very simple construction, may be easily installed on any ordinary conveyance suitable for the transportation of logs, and is adapted for the purpose described.

What I claim as my invention is:

1. In a log loading device, of the character described, a cable tightener comprising a triangular member supported on two legs reinforced by means of iron plates bent inward at their lower parts, perforations out near their said ends and of sufilcient size to engage freely in pins fixed on the underside of a conveyance platform equipped with the device.

2. In a log loading device, of the character described, a cable tightener comprising a triangular member supported on two legs reinforced by means of iron plates having perforations at their lower ends, engaging in two pins fixed on the underside of a conveyance platform, equipped with the device, a loose guiding pulley with a V channel cut around its edge, revolving .in an opening provided for that purpose in upper part of said triangular member.

3. In a log loading device, of the character described, a cable tightener comprising a triangular member supported on two legs reinforced by means of iron plates having perforations at their lower ends engaging in two pins fixed on the underside-of a conveyance platform, equipped with the device, a slot cut vertically in said member, a chain, one end of which is secured to the surface of the said platform and the other end thereof engaging in said slot.

4. In a log loading device, of the character described, a tilting rectangular frame hinged laterally to a conveyance platform, equipped with the device, a cable, one end of which is secured to said frame, the other end thereof secured to a Windlass attached to the underside of the said conveyance platform, three loose guiding pulleys provided with a, V channel cut around their edge, for holding said cable, and conveniently disposed along its course from the tilting frame to the Windlass.

5. In a log loading device, of the character described, a tilting rectangular and detachable (frame hinged laterally to a conveyance platform, a cable, one end of which is secured to a Windlass attached to the underside of the said conveyance platform, three loose guiding pulleys provided with a V channel cut around their edge, for holding said cable, and conveniently disposed along its course from the tilting frame to the Windlass, round log seats disposed horizontally in said tilting frame. 7

PAUL EMILE BOUFFARD. 

